Water is not only a powerful detoxifier, it is the cornerstone of almost every process in your body. That means if you aren’t properly hydrated your exercise won’t be as impactful, your vitamins won’t be as well absorbed, your skin will become dull and splotchy and you will feel puffy and bloated. However, drinking water is one thing, but absorbing water is another. That’s where electrolytes come in.
Electrolytes are ions that help your cells function and communicate and help your body absorb water. Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Hydrogen phosphate and Hydrogen carbonate are the main electrolytes. We lose these electrolytes during normal activity but especially when we sweat. So it is especially important to replenish electrolytes during the hot summer months or after a yoga class or run.
There are a ton of sports drinks out there like Gatorade, PowerAde, etc. Unfortunately, one look at what they are made of and you will find a lot of neon ingredients that you really don’t want in your body. Here are a few more natural alternatives:
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a great natural electrolyte drink with about twice as many electrolytes as sports drinks with less than half the sugar.
Ultima Replenisher
Ultima is an electrolyte drink that comes in powdered form and can easily be added to water. It comes in a ton of great flavors and can be found at most health food stores.
Nuun
Nuun comes in tablet form and can be dropped into a glass of water for a quick and portable electrolyte drink. It also has a variety of flavors and can be found at most health food or sporting goods stores.
Homemade Electrolyte Drinks
My favorite solution is to make my own electrolyte drinks. This allows me to know exactly what is going into it as well as make it suit my own personal taste preferences. In these recipes the electrolytes come from the Himalayan pink sea salt, naturally occurring in the fruit, raw honey and the herbs. Here are two of my favorite recipes!
Minty Watermelon Electrolyte Drink
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup diced watermelon
- 4 mint leaves
- Juice of 1 lime (1/4 cup juiced)
- 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt
Blend and serve chilled.
Sweet Citrus Electrolyte Drink
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- Juice of 1 orange (1/2 cup juice)
- Juice of 1 lemon (1/4 cup juiced)
- 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt
- 1-2 tbsp organic raw honey (optional)
Blend and served chilled.
